Haas' Kevin Magnussen believes that Formula 1's new race control structure that relies on two race directors has led to confusing rules and to a lack of consistency in their application.
In the wake of last year's controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi that led to the ousting of former FIA race director Michael Masi, the sport's governing body entrusted race control to two directors who split the races.
Former DTM race director Niels Wittich officiated in the early events of 2022 while the WEC's Eduardo Freitas held the role of chef steward in Spain and in Monaco.
Wittich is back at the helm for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix and his first order of business has been to clarify the rules governing the pitlane entry and exit lines that came under the spotlight in Monaco.
After the race, Ferrari protested both Red Bull drivers – Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez – for allegedly running on the yellow line at the exit of the pitlane when they rejoined the race.
However, the FIA rejected the Scuderia's protest, stating that touching the line did not constiture a beach of the sporting regulations as stated in Chapter 4 of Appendix L of the International Sporting Code.
In short, drivers are permitted to go across the line, as long as the "full tyre" does not go beyond it.
Magnussen, who spent last year out of F1, feels there is now less clarity from race control than there was previously regarding how the rules must be understood.
"I think there's been a difference," said the Dane in Baku.
"Maybe it's become slightly more difficult at the moment to really understand what the rules are. [They have] just got to try harder to understand it and speak to the guys."
FIA race director Niels Wittich with Lando Norris
Magnussen believes sanctions were applied in a more consistent way than they were in the past under Masi's sole directorship.
"I think it's been more consistent than it is right now. It'd be nice if their stance or the way they interpret the rules would be totally consistent.
"Then as a driver, it would be easier to understand.
"But this is what we have. There are reasons for the new people coming in and the shift in the FIA.
"I don't worry too much about it. This is what we have. It's like worrying about the weather. I can't change it. I just try to deal with it."
The change at race control has also left AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda with more questions than answers, with the Japanese charger saying that he no longer trusts the FIA given the inconsistency of its stewards' decisions.
"A lot of things, other things, a racing incident or traffic management and all those things, I think Michael Masi had more experience if I compare," said Tsunoda.
"I need to wait more time to get used to it or have more experience in having good data to make actually good rules. So until then, I just have to survive to not get a penalty."
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